Level 1: The basement, or Surface Level, is geared toward the youngest reader (or listener if too young to read). This child is able to understand what’s going on. He is engaged by the story. Using a wonderful children’s picture book, Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, the child will think it’s funny that monkeys take the peddler’s caps, put them on their heads and won’t take them off.
Level 2: The first floor, or the Underlying Meaning Level, is for the older children who can understand on a deeper level. At this age, they can realize danger, anger, and a cause and effect scenario. Again, using Caps for Sale, the children should be able to understand that the monkeys are mimicking everything the peddler does, but the peddler doesn’t realize what they’re doing. With this age child, he/she may yell out, “They’re doing what you do!” in an effort to help the peddler.
Level 3: The upper floor, or the Take Away Level, is the value the book holds for the purchaser, usually the parent, grandparent, or teacher. The adult reading the book to the child understands the meaning of the story, what value can be taken away by children. In the case of Caps for Sale, the young child is engaged and understands the monkeys took the peddler’s caps and wouldn’t give them back. The older child is engaged and understands that the peddler is causing the monkeys to act as they are. They value that might be take away is that our actions create reactions.
I just want to point out that Caps for Sale was first copyrighted in 1940 and renewed in 1967, so there is a great deal of telling in the story. Back then, writing for children used a different structure. The stories were not geared toward today’s short attention span and need for action. But, some stories, such as this one, hold up even through change.
Keep in mind though, in today’s children’s market a writer must take into account that a child is bombarded with media and entertainment. Children’s publishers want showing rather than telling. They also want action right from the beginning of the story. In today’s market it’s the writer’s job to grab the reader quickly.
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This article came about directly from a GREAT teleclass I attended Thursday night presented by Suzanne Lieurance. I have to say, Suzanne knows her writing and marketing business.
This class covered the difference between picture books and children’s magazine articles; explained what a picture book consists of; the elements of a picture book; and how to revise a picture book.
I’ll go over a couple of the topics discussed, but if you’d like to learn to write for children I honestly can’t think of a better coach/instructor than Suzanne. And, she offers the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club at an extremely affordable cost. For only $27 per month, you get weekly critiques of your work, weekly teleclasses teaching you the rules and tricks of writing for children as well as marketing you and your work.
And, if that’s not enough, you are in the midst of the other members who with Suzanne’s guidance and nurturing have all gone on to publication. I’ve been a member for over a year-and-a-half. It is because of belonging to Suzanne’s club that I am
2 Comments on The 3 Levels of Picture Books, last added: 3/22/2010
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Title: Puff, the Magic Dragon
Great post Karen. I remember reading Caps For Sale as a kid. That was one I read to my son too. I can remember some of the funny pictures, as if I had recently read the book.
Hi, Suzanne,
It's actual from my daughter's personal teaching library; she's a fourth grade teacher.
It's a great children's book.
She has so many children's books I don't have to go to the library as often! :)